Pros: Inexpensive, quality makeup (the entire range is overall the best at the drugstore); some good to outstanding water-soluble cleansers; nice assortment of self-tanning options; effective AHA option (in the form of an at-home peel kit); one of the best, most comprehensive makeup collections at the drugstore, with superb options in every category except eyeshadow, shimmer products, and specialty products; L’Oreal’s mascaras (along with those from sister company Maybelline New York) are a tough act to follow.

Cons: Jar packaging; almost all of the daytime moisturizers with sunscreen lack sufficient UVA protection; no product to successfully combat blemishes (at least not without causing more irritation); no skin-lightening options; boring to problematic toners; several foundations with sunscreen still lack sufficient UVA protection despite L’Oreal’s media push for Mexoryl SX; the Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner.

L'Oreal ReNoviste Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit:
($24.75) is L’Oreal’s version of their department-store relative Lancome’s Resurface Peel ($145 for kit containing 8 applications). ReNoviste consists of three steps, beginning with the Soft Glycolic Peel. This liquid solution contains primarily water, alcohol, and 10% glycolic acid. It's pH of 3.6 allows exfoliation to occur, but there is no reason for your skin to tolerate the irritation from the alcohol when effective AHA products sans alcohol are available. You’re instructed to leave this solution on your face for no more than five minutes, at which time you apply the Post Peel Neutralizer. This simple, toner-like formula has a pH of 6.3, enough to neutralize the acidic pH of the Soft Glycolic Peel. Yet because rinsing with plain tap water has the exact same effect (tap water has a pH of 7), the Post Peel Neutralizer is an unnecessary product. Besides, after applying the Neutralizer, the instructions indicate you should rinse the skin anyway, which essentially confirms the “why bother?” premise of this step.After the peel, you finish with an application of Rebalancing Moisturizer. The formula contains mostly water, silicone, glycerin, emollients, mineral oil, water-binding agents, antioxidants, thickeners, petrolatum, plant oils, and preservatives. It's lightweight texture and silky finish are suitable for normal to slightly dry or slightly oily skin, and the opaque tube packaging will help keep the antioxidants stable.

L'Oreal Collagen Remodeler Contouring Moisturizer for Face & Neck SPF 15, Day:
($19.99 for 1.7 ounces) makes a big deal about how its Collagen Bio-Activator “infuses volume and shape within skin’s surface for smoother, more defined facial features.” At the same time, L’Oreal alludes to this product being akin to doctor-administered collagen injections, which it absolutely is not.

L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17: ($9.99) is L’Oreal’s best foundation for normal to very oily skin. The fluid, silky formula feels almost weightless on skin and blends superbly, setting to a natural matte finish that is translucent enough to let your skin show through, while still providing light coverage that diffuses minor flaws and redness. The original version of this foundation did not include sunscreen, but L’Oreal wisely added one with the sole active being titanium dioxide. Now True Match Super Blendable Makeup is an even better choice for those with oily skin. The palette of 24 shades is not only one of the largest shade selections for a single drugstore foundation, but also, for the first time, L’Oreal’s shades take a strong cue from Lancome’s typically superior selection of neutral colors. Almost all of the shades are excellent, and they cover a wide range of skin tones from porcelain to deep tan. The only shades to avoid are Natural Ivory C2 and Classic Beige C5 (both too pink), and Tawny Beige C6 (too peach).
The only drawback to this foundation is it's drier finish. Although it does a good job of reducing oily shine and keeping skin looking polished, it tends to emphasize the slightest bit of dry skin, and can also make lines around the eye look more apparent. If you have dry areas or visible lines around the eye, it is imperative that you smooth and hydrate these areas before applying this foundation. An emollient moisturizer lightly applied around the eyes and regular use of an effective topical exfoliant should minimize this problem and make working with this foundation a better experience. Note: This foundation contains subtle shimmer particles that impart a barely perceptible shine to the skin. The particles are so small you have to look very closely to see them in daylight, but it’s worth mentioning for those who wish to avoid any type of shimmer in their makeup.

L’Oreal Endless Kissable Lipcolour: ($8.79) promises to be a “zero-transfer, extremely long lasting” experience for your lips. This lipstick succeeds in staying put and, aside from the occasional trace of color, does not transfer onto objects (think coffee cups) or people (think a friendly “hello” kiss, not a passionate smooch). It's matte-finish formula dries quickly, leaving pigment on your lips without a trace of moisture or gloss, so your lips have color, but no slip or moistness. The instructions state that this product is not to be used with another balm, lip gloss, or lipstick, because adding an emollient product on top of this lipstick definitely cuts it's longevity. However, because this lipstick makes lips feel dry, most women will want to pair it with something that feels creamy, which only minimally affected the staying power. It’s worth a try, but it’s not in the same league as two-step products such as Max Factor’s Lipfinity or M.A.C.’s Pro Longwear Lipcolour.